743B Shaft Greasing Experience

[RobPg1967]

Owed this 743B since 2005 and never knew about the 3 zerks located in that tiny area behind and below the fuel/hydr tanks. Well as Tazza mentioned , " A normal person can't grease these fittings unless the engine is pulled" Well my right forearm could just barely fit in there , found the zerks and they took grease without resistance. Probably overkill , but I gave each zerk about 20 shots each with my lincoln battery grease gun, having someone pull the trigger when designated . Then spun the starter a few times , then idled at lowest rpm possible for few minutes then drove around for a while at normal speed. Afterwards upon inspection there was no grease spatter in and around the zerk areas and in the engine compartment. Everything was fine before and after this experience. My somewhat bruised forearm will heal also.

 

[brdgbldr]

Owed this 743B since 2005 and never knew about the 3 zerks located in that tiny area behind and below the fuel/hydr tanks. Well as Tazza mentioned , " A normal person can't grease these fittings unless the engine is pulled" Well my right forearm could just barely fit in there , found the zerks and they took grease without resistance. Probably overkill , but I gave each zerk about 20 shots each with my lincoln battery grease gun, having someone pull the trigger when designated . Then spun the starter a few times , then idled at lowest rpm possible for few minutes then drove around for a while at normal speed. Afterwards upon inspection there was no grease spatter in and around the zerk areas and in the engine compartment. Everything was fine before and after this experience. My somewhat bruised forearm will heal also.

Yes these are hard to get to.

The trick I use is to put down a movers blanket to lie on, then when reaching your arm in do not go in close to the drive shaft, reach around wide from the right side as you are facing toward the back of the machine. This gives you a straighter line to the shaft. Of course you have to feel for the zerks blindly. An inspection mirror helps to get the zerks to the side you need them on before reaching in.

Also, a very long hose for whatever grease gun you use is a huge help.

I greased those every year for 10+ years….not fun.